March

Ireland prove that the wizardry against Scotland is no fluke with a 60-15 win against the Italians. The six tries is a new record and the win gives Ireland their first consecutive victories since 1993. On the motor track, the Irish have a disastrous start at the Melbourne Grand Prix, with both Jordan cars and Eddie Irvine failing to finish. Istabraq wins the Champions Hurdle at Cheltenham for the third successive year. Florida Pearl, however, is squeezed into second place by Looks Like Trouble in the Gold Cup. At the St Patrick's Day All-Ireland club finals, Crossmaglen confirm their status as one of the best club teams ever with a win over Na Fianna, while Athenry wrestle the hurling title back from their border rivals St Joseph's-Doora Barefield. Sonia O'Sullivan finishes a subdued 15th at the world cross country championships in Portugal. Ireland's reborn rugby fans travel to Paris and the try-rush continues, with Brian O'Driscoll breaching the French line three times. David Humphreys kicks the winning penalty after O'Driscoll's third score. Ireland win 27-25. Some things don't change, however; Rangers put four goals past Celtic on their way to yet another Scottish title. John Higgins defeats Stephen Hendry 9-4 to claim the Irish Masters snooker championship.